The long-awaited return of Michigan football, plus the debut of the highest-rated quarterback ever to wear the maize and blue, was worth the wait. Bryce Underwood drew rave reviews from all over the social media outlets. He proved he belongs and will now face his first legit test as an 18-year-old kid. He can crumble under the spotlight like Arch Manning did or rise to the occasion like a boss.
In the meantime, here are three of the most controversial overreactions from Saturday's win in the Big House.
1. Bryce Underwood is way too valuable to be blocking for anyone
Perhaps the most impressive moment for the young phenom on Saturday night was his block to allow Justice Haynes to rush to the pile-on for his second of three touchdowns. As the play progressed, it was evident that there was no way that Haynes would have made it to the endzone without the help of his quarterback, unless he did it himself somehow. Underwood didn't hesitate to pave the way and do the right thing for his fellow back mate. Plain and simple, that is how you are taught to play the game. That makes this statement an overreaction.
Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore joked afterwards that he didn't want his new shiny toy doing that, but it shows just how selfless he is by doing whatever it takes to help his friend score. If that were against Ohio State or Oklahoma, people would be praising Underwood even more nationally. He'll get an extra helmet sticker or two this week for his efforts.
2. Michigan football screwed around too much with an low-rent opponent
The Michigan State usual's were squawking about how Michigan was letting New Mexico hang around for longer then they wanted on gameday. I will give them credit for them knowing how to trigger Michigan bystanders who love to appease them with a response, but Sherrone Moore is learning to win ugly games. Nitpicking on how they do it is useless.
They were saying that U-M gave up too many points, that Michigan State would beat them today, and that they don't deserve to be ranked this week. Although it was troubling at times, this was an absurd overreaction coming from the green and white trolls. The Wolverines have more pressing issues to attend to.
I'm fairly confident that New Mexico will be a dangerous out in the Mountain West conference. I would not be surprised one bit if they hike into the Rose Bowl and upset UCLA in two weeks. Boise State is more beatable then everyone thought and their schedule is very manageable. The way that coach Eck's team fought till the final play is a testament to how he is building that program. He is a coach that is on the rise.
3. Michigan's defense was too vulnerable for spells
Wink Martindale's troops did not throw the kitchen sink at New Mexico and they still made their presence felt. Jack Layne was able to move the ball, but it came at a cost. New Mexico's longest play of the night went for 25 yards. However it should not have stood, making Scottre Humphrey's 16 yard spurt to open the second half their biggest splash play from scrimmage.
Dorian Thomas proved to be a hard cover, but he is a former group of four transfer who can play for almost any school in the country. Jack Layne and his head coach are no strangers to going into a Big Ten stadium and make the home crowd sweat. Just ask Oregon. The Ducks went on to win their next 12.
Watching this game as a UofM fan, really impressed by Jack Layne from New Mexico. He constantly has his teammates missing blocks, getting him lit up or having to pull his teammates back in to avoid personal fouls.
— The Goal Line Grind (@theGLgrind) August 31, 2025
Serious, serious heart being shown tonight.
Factor in the touchdown that got called back on Jaishawn Barham and Michigan wins this one going away. All will be forgotten and forgiven if the Wolverines go into Norman and leave victorious. That makes this an overreaction that could be validated next weekend in Sherrone Moore's old stomping grounds.